In this solo episode of Big Dreams Great Teams, Paula Maidens shares practical hiring tips for small businesses, unpacking the five key shifts that are shaping how small business owners need to approach hiring in 2025 and what to do to make your next hire the right one.

 

If you're a business owner planning to hire this year (or even thinking about it), this episode is your heads-up on the new realities in today’s hiring market. From the rise of AI-polished CVs to shifting salary expectations and faster hiring cycles, Paula unpacks the essential tips that will help you avoid common hiring traps and bring the right person into your business with confidence.

 

You’ll hear why relying on ‘gut feel’ is no longer enough, how to stand out to the right candidates (without sounding like a robot), and the #1 mistake that’s costing small businesses top talent right now.

 

Whether you're hiring now or preparing to grow later this year, this is essential listening to protect your time, energy and money, and hire with clarity in a rapidly evolving market.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• The 5 big shifts in hiring you need to understand in 2025

• Why AI is changing how resumes are written (and what that means for you)

• What makes a job ad stand out in a crowded market

• Why speed is now a critical hiring advantage

• The do’s and don’ts of listing salary ranges

• How to use reference checks to avoid expensive hiring mistakes

• Paula’s favourite interview structure to find the right fit fast

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome from Byron Bay + Why Hiring Feels Different in 2025

02:14 – Shift #1: The AI Impact on CVs, Cover Letters & Interviews

07:03 – Shift #2: Generic Job Ads Are Turning Candidates Off

10:21 – Shift #3: Why You Must Move Quickly to Secure Top Talent

13:45 – Shift #4: Salary Expectations Are Higher - Here’s What to Do

18:54 – Shift #5: Reference Checks Are More Valuable Than Ever

21:50 – Paula’s Top Hiring Tips for Small Businesses in 2025

24:12 – Wrap-Up: How to Hire with Confidence in a Changing Market

 

LINKS MENTIONED:

 

🎯 Kick-Ass Interview Masterclass – Master your interview skills with Paula’s short course. Click here: https://paulamaidens.com/go/kick-ass-interviewing-masterclass/

 

 📞 Book a Dream Team Discovery Call – Get Paula’s personal guidance for your next hire. Click here: https://paulamaidens.com/go/discovery-call-45-minute/

 

CONNECT WITH PAULA:

Website: https://paulamaidens.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulamaidensconsulting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulamaidensbuildingawesometeams

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulamaidens/